TNECD Announces 52 Digital Literacy and Broadband Adoption Grants

Thursday, January 18, 2018 | 01:00pm

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) and Secretary of State Tre Hargett announced today the recipients of 52 digital literacy and broadband adoption grants.

These grants were made possible by Gov. Haslam’s Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act and a partnership between TNECD and the Tennessee State Library and Archives within the Secretary of State’s office.

The grants will support three main resources for communities:

Training classes to improve digital literacy including basic computer skills, how to apply for jobs, small business applications and online learning;

Devices and hardware to increase capacity at local libraries as key access points for community members; and

STEM programing for youth that supports broadband adoption by teaching 21st century skills and exposing participants to science and technology.

“I want to congratulate the 52 recipients of the digital literacy and broadband adoption grants,” TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe said. “With the help of these grants, Tennessee libraries will gain the resources needed to help Tennesseans be better equipped for the workplace and acquire skills to help them succeed in the digital age. These grants and this initiative go hand-in-hand with TNECD’s dedication to developing dynamic, diverse economies and thriving communities.”

“Today’s libraries play a critical role in bridging the digital divide. These grants will allow them to offer more training opportunities in communities that have long been underserved by something many of us take for granted: internet access,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “I’m proud the Tennessee State Library and Archives is helping ensure these funds reach every corner of our state where they are so desperately needed.”

Public libraries offer free computer and broadband access while promoting skills necessary to be successful and productive in the digital age. With the assistance of these grants, libraries are better equipped as a strong resource for Tennesseans in all communities across the state.

The libraries receiving Training Opportunities for the Public (“TOP”) Grants for training or devices include:

The City of Kingsport for the Kingsport Public Library – Kingsport, TN

Tiptonville Public Library – Tipton, TN

Town of Mount Carmel – Mount Carmel, TN

Wartburg Public Library – Wartburg, TN

West Polk Public Library – Benton, TN

The libraries receiving STEM funding include:

Bolivar - Hardeman County Library – Bolivar, TN

Jackson - Madison County Library – Jackson, TN

Marshall County Memorial Library – Lewisburg, TN

Middleton Community Library – Middleton, TN

Millersville Public Library of Sumner County – Goodlettsville, TN

Mossy Creek Network – New Market, TN

Obion County Public Library – Union City, TN

Sevier County Public Library System – Sevierville, TN

The Broadband Accessibility Act was approved by the General Assembly in 2017 with overwhelming bipartisan support, thanks to the sponsorship of Senator Mark Norris (R – Collierville), Senator Mike Bell (R – Riceville) and Rep. David Hawk (R – Greeneville).

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community DevelopmentThe Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.